Go Back
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Juice and zest of 2 limes - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt - Lime wedges for serving The key to making cilantro lime shrimp tacos is using fresh ingredients. I love using large shrimp. They soak up the flavors well. The olive oil brings richness, while the lime juice adds a bright and tangy taste. The zest of the lime gives it an extra kick that wakes up the dish. For seasoning, garlic, cumin, and chili powder create a warm and inviting aroma. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. It's important to mix these spices well with the shrimp. Let them sit in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes to absorb all that goodness. When assembling the tacos, fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. Corn tortillas are soft and perfect for holding all the fillings. Red cabbage gives a nice crunch, while avocado adds creaminess. Sour cream or Greek yogurt balances the flavors beautifully. Finally, lime wedges are a must for that extra squeeze! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create these tasty tacos. - Combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. - Add shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. The lime juice brightens the dish and the spices add depth. - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. A good hot skillet gives the shrimp a nice sear. - Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can get tough, and we want them juicy and tender. - Warm corn tortillas in another pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. - Assemble tacos by adding shrimp, red cabbage, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. The crunch of the cabbage and the creaminess of the avocado balance the shrimp perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! To make great shrimp tacos, avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you cook them too long, they can turn rubbery. Cook shrimp just until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. This ensures they stay tender. To get a perfect sear on the shrimp, heat your skillet until it's hot. A hot pan helps create a nice crust. Place the shrimp in a single layer. Give them space to cook evenly. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear. For a beautiful presentation, serve the tacos on a large platter. Lay out lime wedges for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cilantro on top for freshness. This makes the dish look inviting. Pair these tacos with sides like black beans or Mexican rice. A fresh salad with avocado and tomatoes also works well. These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. If you like spicy food, add more chili powder. For a milder flavor, cut back on the spices. Taste the marinade before adding the shrimp. This helps you find the right balance. You can also add toppings like fresh salsa or jalapeños for extra zing. Other great options include diced tomatoes or shredded cheese. Mix and match toppings to create your dream taco. For the full recipe, check out the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos recipe above. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for other proteins. Fish like tilapia or cod works great. Chicken is another option. Just cook it until it’s fully done. For a vegetarian choice, try grilled veggies like zucchini or peppers. Black beans also add a nice touch. Want to kick up the flavor? Consider adding spices. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste. Chipotle adds heat and depth. You can also mix in fruits. Diced mango or pineapple brings sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the tacos. Tortillas come in many forms. Flour tortillas are soft and easy to work with. Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor. For those avoiding gluten, corn tortillas are a perfect choice. Always warm your tortillas slightly before serving. This keeps them flexible and tasty. Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps needed to create these tasty tacos! After enjoying your tacos, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the cooked shrimp and taco components in separate airtight containers. This helps keep everything fresh. Cooked shrimp can stay good for up to three days. If you assemble the tacos, eat them within a day for the best taste. The tortillas can become soggy if left too long. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat and add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until warm. This keeps them tender. For the tortillas, warm them in a dry pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and tasty, ready for your next taco meal. You can freeze shrimp and taco parts for later use. Place cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove all the air and seal it tightly. They can stay frozen for up to three months. For tortillas, stack them with parchment paper in between. To defrost shrimp, place them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe to eat. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth. To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking. Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat. This quick cooking method helps maintain their juicy texture. If you let them cook too long, they become rubbery. Always watch closely during cooking. Yes, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice. Lemon gives a different flavor but still tastes good. Lemon adds a bright, zesty note, but lime has a unique taste. If you want the classic taco flavor, stick to lime. However, both options work in a pinch. Toppings can change your shrimp taco game! Try adding: - Fresh cilantro - Sliced radishes - Chopped green onions - Diced tomatoes - Crumbled queso fresco These toppings add crunch and freshness. You can also experiment with salsas or hot sauce for extra kick. Look for the shrimp to be pink and opaque. They should curl slightly but not tightly. If they are bright white or gray, they need more cooking. Avoid mushy shrimp; that means they are overcooked. Trust your eyes and your nose for the best results! Pair shrimp tacos with refreshing sides. Good options include: - Mexican street corn salad - Black bean salad - Cilantro lime rice - Chips and salsa These sides complement the flavors of the tacos. They also add color and variety to your meal. For the full recipe, check the details above! These shrimp tacos are easy to make and full of flavor. We covered fresh ingredients, marinating the shrimp, and cooking tips. Remember to not overcook the shrimp for the best taste. Customize your tacos with different toppings or proteins to suit your mood. Store leftovers safely, and enjoy them later. Cooking should be fun and tasty, and these tacos make it easy. Dive into your next taco night with these ideas and enjoy every bite!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos! This quick and easy recipe combines large shrimp marinated in zesty lime, garlic, and spices, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Top them off with fresh red cabbage and creamy avocado for a delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests with this flavorful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice and zest of 2 limes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

    Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat well. Let marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

      While the shrimp marinates, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.

        Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

          In another pan, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are pliable.

            To assemble the tacos, place a few shrimp on each tortilla, then top with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

              Squeeze additional lime juice over the top and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the tacos on a large platter with lime wedges on the side. You can also garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a pop of color.